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John Mahon

John Mahon (1749 - 1834) was an Irish composer, clarinetist, violinist, and viola player.

Biography

Birth

Born in Oxford 1749

Early Life

John was born into an Irish family of musicians, his father William Mahon, is thought to have gone to Oxford from Salisbury in the 1740s and to have been an orchestral player in the Holywell Music Room. His siblings were James Mahon, William Mahon, and Sarah Mahon who were likewise musicians.

Adult Life

View of the Holywell Music Room (2008)

John performed his clarinet debut at the Holywell Music Room, Oxford, in 1772 with a clarinet concerto. Mahon was a member of Oxford Volunteers Band. In 1773 he played in London and by 1777 he moved in with his brother William Mahon to live in there. In London, John appeared at Covent Garden, Hanover Square, the Haymarket, the Pantheon, and the Ranelagh. John made several lengthy visits to his hometown of Dublin during his life. In 1783 he became a member of the Royal Society of Musicians and played at the annual benefit concerts at St. Paul's Cathedral in May of 1794, 1795, and 1797. John got married to Margaret Perry in Dublin (June 30th, 1792). John Mahon had many financial troubles in 1814. The Royal Society of Musicians illustrated his difficulties stating he was "infirm" and requested relief, in which he was granted £40. On October 6th, 1816, Mahon sent word that he recieved a serious wound in his left hand, which would take two to three months to cure and was granted an additional £30. Mahon eventually retired in Dublin, 1825.

Death

John Mahon died in Dublin, January 1834, due to ill health. Mrs. Mahon was granted £1 per month survivor's assistance plus £8 for her own eventual funeral expenses.

Compositions

Concerto for Clarinet No.2 in F Major

Duets (4) for 2 Clarinets: No.4 in B Flat Major

Duets (4) for 2 Clarinets: No.1 in F Major

Sinfonia Concertante for 2 Clarinets and Bassoon in E Flat Major

Concerto for Clarinet in E Flat Major

See Also

(insert Mahon family links)

References

http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/17462pg1#S17462.1

A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers and Other Stage Personnel in London, 1660-1800. pp.56-57

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Name/John-Mahon/Composer/7538-1

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2006/Dec06/Mahon_Clarinet_CDH55261.htm

Further Reading

A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers and Other Stage Personnel in London, 1660-1800

External Links

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/main.jsp

http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/